Category: Works in Progress/Proposals

For our night light plush and circuit homework for this week I’d like to start by quoting Einstein “I have tried 99 times and have failed, but on the 100th times can success”. I encountered quite a few challenges but I think part of these 99 failures allowed me to learn so much more than I would have if I succeeded immediately.

For my plush night light, I chose to prototype the cactus toy that ended up looking like a little boy. Going with the flow of it, I sewed but didn’t realize how much my sewing would end up shrinking the whole plush toy once sewn and additionaly even go on to tear the seams a bit when the fluff was inserted. The material I chose also wasn’t the neatest. This truly was a lesson in how important choice is right from the beginning. That being said, the transformation of my toy from emulating a cactus to looking like a mummy was definitely interesting.

Moving onto the LED circuit, after finally understanding how to Sodder and where each part went, my LED still wouldn’t turn on. I went to Kyle from the VFL and after some diagnosing we found out the battery pack itself had a fault and that the negative wire wasn’t plugged in. This was interesting again because I would have never known how to fix a wire on a battery pack had it not been for one of my 99 failures. I chose to include the LED lighting up with the heat strips cut off to show the process of investigation as we tried to figure out what went wrong with the circuit.

For my plush night light proposal, I was primarily thinking in terms of safety which ended up branching out into two fields – one for mental health and the other physical safety.

My first idea was to create a plushie based on one’s favorite pet (mine being frenchies) who’s ears or nose lights up to mimic box breathing.

The target user for this could practically be anyone but this was mostly intended for someone struggling with anxiety or to bring someone back to the present. I think this could also act as a comfort tool for those scared of the dark.

The parts and materials needed for this would be yellow led lights and fur fabric.

Following the same target user as the previous idea, I wanted to create a drum with drumsticks attached to it, that could be used as a sensory grounding technique. When hit, the drum would pop up a color and then the user would have to find objects in their surroundings of that color. This plushie could be a great way to create an experience while grounding.

This would require led lights of all different colors and soft fabric.

My last idea steered more into physical safety. I’ve noticed many people like to run or walk on streets that have no streetlights in the suburb. This can be very dangerous and sometimes it’s hard to hold your phone up to signal your presence. I would like to create a plushie that senses light changes and shines accordingly to signal your presence on a dark road.

This would require more of a harder fabric, bright white led lights and a light sensor.

Thank you!

Made a little fish for my sweet boy!

MY NIGHTLIGHT PROPOSAL

I cannot choose between 2 ideas, but good news is that I narrowed it down from 17:

Out of these, some standouts were the traffic light which could be used as a prop in the game: red light, yellow light, and the Michelangelo hands of god which could be displayed in a high school art class.

and of these, here are my two finalists

CRAB: Target Audience- Astrology lovers, children

Could be placed in a classroom, in a hotel room, or in a bedroom!

Crabs symbolize the Astrology Sign for end of June and beginning of july: Cancers! ♋️ This is my sign and I have lots of cancer pride. Ideally this stuffed nightlight would be part of an astrology series where everyone’s sign is represented.

I would use red, pink, orange, or coral colored fabric and create one shape for the body & legs, and another two for the pincher hands! I would also add eyes with buttons or something similar, and maybe sew a visible curve for the smile.

BDAY CAKE: Target Audience- People who do not like cake, but love their birthday!

I personally do not crave cake on my birthday, but I love birthday attention! This would be perfect for me, and for anyone who’s bday is coming up- as a sweet gift to them. I think it could be fun to add layers with different colors, and to embellish the top with different toppings. And of course, the diffused light can be inside the candle! I was inspired by the jellycat cakes- which are very expensive and are made under unethical conditions. This could be my ethical substitute for those popular and adorable toys, especially if I add a little face and a pair of legs!

Prototypes

1. Mushroom

2. Red LED Circuit

Three Ideas

1. Sunflower Cushion Night Light

Story: Like a sunflower that blooms toward the sun, this cushion appears as a simple sunflower during the day. When sunlight is no longer detected, the embedded light turns on, providing gentle illumination that follows the rhythm of nature.

Target User: People seeking digital detox and healing moments aligned with natural cycles.

Material: Soft short-hair fabric, light-sensing plate (Arduino), LED light bulb.

2. Sea Otter Shell Night Light

Story: Inspired by the way sea otters give cherished shells or stones to those they care about, this plush otter holds a glowing shell. When the user squeezes the plush, the shell light turns off, offering a stress-relieving tactile experience. After 30 minutes, the light turns on again, as if the otter is giving the shell back.

Target User: People who want stress relief and relaxation during short breaks.

Material: Soft tufting and fluffy fabric for the otter, short-hair fabric for the shell.

3. Cloud Wrist Rest Health Alarm Night Light

Story: A fluffy, cloud-shaped wrist rest that feels light and comforting. When the user continuously uses a mouse for more than an hour, the light turns on as a soft reminder to pause, stretch, and care for wrist health.

Target User: People who use a computer mouse frequently and want to protect their wrist health.

Material: Soft fabric with safe, supportive filling that can comfortably support the wrist.

Thank you for reading🌻

Since Halloween isn’t widely celebrated in Korea, I wanted to experiment with something related to it. I sketched a cute bat design, but sadly most people couldn’t immediately recognize it as a bat. Some said it looked more like a fish. To play with that ambiguity, I added eyes on one side to suggest a bat, and a button detail on the other side to resemble a fish.

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Quick three ideas

1. Boiling Egg Lamp 🍳💡

Inspiration
At night when I feel hungry, I often boil eggs as a quick snack. But I usually forget the time. I don’t like staring at the pot for six minutes, and if I lie down or check my phone, I easily forgot it. That’s why I thought about turning the egg yolk itself into a timer light.

How it works
Push the yolk → the light turns on.
After 6 minutes → it turns off by itself.

Even when I’m sleepy or distracted, I can still cook eggs easily. The glowing yolk makes the waiting time visible and playful, not stressful.

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2. Hanging Bat Light 🦇🌓

Inspiration
While making the prototype, I started to connect the bat with the red led(?) I was using. Later I found out that bat eyes are not actually red, but I liked the symbolism of it. The “red eye” feeling gave me a strong image to work with, so I used that as part of the idea.

How it works
Daytime → only the bat’s eyes glow softly.
Nighttime → the moon behind the bat lights up.

The lamp shows the rhythm of day and night in a simple way. I like that it can be seen differently depending on time and angle.

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3. Cat Paw for Calm 🐾🫀

Inspiration
I noticed that cat paw pads change color with mood. When cats are tense, the paw pads turn deeper pink. I thought this was interesting and used it as the idea for a plush lamp.

How it works
When you hug the plush, the paw pads light up red, like tension.
During 4–6 minutes the light slowly changes to light pink, guiding you to breathe and calm down.

The paw feels squishy and warm, so you naturally want to hold it or touch it. At the same time, the changing light makes you relax, almost like the toy is calming with you.

This project may also require an additional Force Sensitive Resistor.

1. PROTOTYPES

a. LED Prototype (it works!)

b. Plush Prototype*

*rough prototype, not to scale or accurate color

2. Plush Prototype Pattern

3. Night Light Concept (+ target user)
A few years ago, I saw the movie First Reformed. I no longer remember the plot, but what I do recall is a scene in which two characters are sitting on a couch next to a floor lamp shaped like an eye. I found that it was designed by Nicola L., a French artist known for her anthropomorphic sculptures that fused bodies with domestic objects.

I plan to make a night light inspired by her ocular lamp. The target audience is anyone who wants to add a touch of anthropomorphic surrealism to their space.

4. Parts/Materials
1. Single Battery Pack
2. 3 AAA Batteries
3. 4 diffused white 10mm through-hole LEDs
4. 4 Resistors
5. Heat Shrink Tubing
6. Polyfill
7. Fabric (ideally mixed textures, satin + cotton + felt)
– Orange
– White
– Dark Blue
– White Blue

(Update: going to use scrap fabric from FabScrap, which gives me less choice about what fabric I get, but is more sustainable and the unknown adds a fun element to this project).

5. Brainstorm Sketches (3)

Update: Going with Sketch #1

6. Circuit Diagram

Update: 4 LEDs, in radial formation

Candle Light

I’ve always loved the warm, dynamic glow of candlelight—especially how it softens a space and creates a sense of calm that artificial lighting often can’t replicate. But placing a real candle beside the bed is obviously a fire hazard, and electric candles rarely capture that same cozy feeling. So I imagined a plush nightlight that mimics the softness and mood of a candle in a safer, more comforting form.

The design consists of a cylindrical white base made of fabric and polyfill, with a red-orange droplet sewn on top to represent the flame. Inside the droplet is a red LED light, creating a soft internal glow. This design is for people who crave a soothing bedtime atmosphere—whether kids needing gentle light to fall asleep or adults who want that candle-like coziness without the risk. It’s a plush that feels safe, warm, and slightly magical, just like a flame you can hold.

GlowClam

I’ve always found the sound and imagery of the ocean calming—something about the rhythm of waves and the hidden beauty beneath the surface helps me relax, especially before sleep. That led me to the idea of a glowing clam: a soft, plush object that opens to reveal a glowing, cloud-like center.

The outer shell is made of fabric wrapped around two 3D-printed forms, giving it a stable, structured feel, while the interior is filled with polyfill and soft blue lights to mimic a glowing sea pearl or bioluminescent sea life. The clam opens and closes, making the action of lighting it up feel a bit magical—like revealing a hidden treasure. I’m calling it the GlowClam for now, though I’m open to better names! This design is meant for anyone who finds peace in ocean themes or enjoys a bit of interactive play in their bedtime routine. It’s a light you gently “open” to find calm, inspired by the sea.

SipralLume

Falling asleep in the dark can feel unsettling, especially when there’s nothing to anchor your focus. I’ve always loved looking at the stars or imagining galaxies as a way to mentally drift into sleep—so I designed a plush nightlight inspired by a spiral galaxy. I’m calling it SpiraLume.

Its form spirals outward from a wide, bright center into a narrowing, dimmer outer edge. Scattered white LED lights are embedded throughout, with their brightness fading as they approach the ends of the spiral, just like distant stars fading into the night. I also wanted to explore more sculptural plush forms that play with asymmetry and motion—something visually intriguing even when it’s off. This piece is for users who need just a soft visual presence in the dark, or who enjoy imaginative shapes that invite storytelling or cosmic wonder as part of a bedtime ritual.

Prototypes

Plush Star

Green LED

Dumpling Prototype

Three Quick Ideas:

1.Sleep Guardian

Background Story: A regular sleep schedule is something many young people aspire to for better health, yet in reality it is often difficult to maintain. Many times people completely lose track of time, only to realize it is already late at night. For those who work hard, long hours of effort can also lead them to neglect proper rest. That is why I designed this small night lamp—to act as a gentle alarm that reminds people to pay attention to their bedtime and protect their health.

Red light glowing slow–fast: go to bed now!

Yellow light: Remember to get some rest

Interaction: Squish/push the fluffy light to count down the time.

2.HydroBuddy Glow

Staying hydrated is a simple habit many people know is important for health, but in daily life it is often overlooked. With busy schedules, long hours of work, or constant focus on screens, people forget to drink water until they feel tired or unwell. This small reminder lamp was designed to serve as a gentle signal, encouraging people to pause, take a sip, and care for their bodies. It is not just a light, but a small reminder that health often begins with the simplest actions.

Blue light: Just drank the water

Yellow light: Take a sip

Red light: you forgot to drink water!

The night light is a “water droplet” that reminds you to stay hydrated. When you gently squeeze or tap it, it starts a “hydration timer.” Squeeze again for next cycle.

3.EyeSaver Glow

The small lamp is like a little “eye-guardian spirit.” When you begin using your phone, you press its tiny ear to start a “countdown.” As time passes, the lamp gradually changes its glow, reminding you when your eyes need a break and guiding you to rest before fatigue sets in.

Green light: you can have fun with your “phoneriend”

Red light: put your phone on it and get some rest!

Material List:

1.Battery Pack

2.Resistors

3.LED Lights

Moomin Prototype

One of my sisters moved to Finland when I was young, and introduced me to Moomin. He still retains a magical quality and has already got an inviting plush figure. My son’s Moomin plush quickly became one of the few bedtime indispensables–so potentially even more magic than I was aware of.

After a few days, I came up with ideas that didn’t involve a beloved children’s character protected by Finnish copyright law.

Bedtime Balloons

Story and target users: My son love balloons. I thought this would be a fun way to let him be able to sleep with balloons, when the real ones have to sleep on the couch. He’s also getting closer to potentially wanting a nightlight, so, safety permitting, this might be a fun way to do that 🙂 I see this being a cute idea for helping bedtime be a little more fun.

Materials: Battery pack, LEDs (red, yellow, blue), Thin Felt (red, yellow, blue, white), polyfill, Buttons, or iron-on embroidered eyes.

Pilea Plush

Story and target users: I love plants–especially ones that trail. But some rooms just don’t get enough sunlight. Pilea Plush could be a charming way to incorporate a bit of flora into your child’s room (and mayyyybe the bathroom). Depending on execution, it could potentially work for adults as well. I’d need: A battery pack, LEDs (white), Felt (green, brown, tan), polyfill.

Pomodoro Pillow

Story and target users: Since we’re shopping for one now, I started with the idea of an ‘OK to Wake’ Clock for toddlers. I got the idea for a plush stoplight version, but then I saw that there is already an Elmo Stoplight OK to Wake Clock–so it looks like Elmo bested me again. So I thought about other use cases for a stoplight style plush, and thought about socks on doors that signal–among other things–”don’t come in.” But the product here doesn’t fit the target audience.

Then I remembered that for another class I’ve been working on a design to tackle task management for people with ADHD or who face challenges with their executive functions. So, slightly returning to the clock idea, I thought about the pomodoro method, of having a visual countdown. Personally, and having ADHD, I find a countdown to be a distraction from my intended task. But what if, instead of a clock, it was something more interactive? What if my pomodoro were a small pillow on which I would rest what distracts me most, until it’s light shut off to signifying I could pick it up again? I’m too invested now–I’m going to have to see if this works. I’ll need: A battery pack, LEDs (white), a timer module, plush fabric, polyfill.

photos of prototype

image of pattern

circuit diagram(no more than 8-10 LEDs)

Night Light’s story and target user

When I was a child, I was terrified of mirrors. Even now, I still feel uncomfortable around them. Back then, I didn’t fully understand the importance of brushing my teeth, and I often used my fear of mirrors as an excuse to avoid it. Before I started changing my baby teeth, one of them had developed into a very serious cavity. My first visit to the dentist left me with a lasting, frightening memory.
Now, my relationship with dental care is completely different. I go for regular cleanings, brush and floss daily, and I hardly have dental problems anymore. That change made me realize how powerful early habits can be. I designed a tooth-shaped night light to reflect that journey. The idea is that brushing your teeth often happens right before bed, when the room starts to get dim. A soft night light that doubles as a comforting plush toy turns this daily routine into something playful and safe.

I hope that through this design, children can begin to see dental care in a positive light. Instead of fear or avoidance, they can associate teeth with warmth, comfort, and protection.
My target users are children, dental clinics, and dental schools—places where creating a more reassuring atmosphere around oral health can make a big difference.

description of the parts and materials you plan to use

• Soft fabric (minky fabric, fleece) for main part
• Translucent fabric or soft plastic film for light part
• Sewing thread
• Stuffing cotton
• Acrylic eyes
• Small light bulb and battery pack

images of three early brainstorm sketches